HOMER CITY: Emergency work under way to repair damaged waterline

HOMER CITY — The nasty winter weather has prompted the replacement of a line on South Lincoln Street in Homer City began today.

Borough manager Rob Nymick reported at the council meeting Tuesday that the work on the waterline is considered “an emergency,” and residents were advised to expect interruptions in water service.

Ten residences will be affected by the repairs, Nymick said, and those customers will be notified as to when their water service will be affected.

The project will take about two weeks. The road will be closed sometimes during that period, but for the most part will remain open, Nymick said.

The water authority will pay about $40,000 to fix damage to the 740-foot line, he said.

Nymick also reminded residents that spring has not yet arrived, and that pothole patches and repairs will be completed as soon as possible.

“We are not finished with winter yet,” he said. “It’s going to be a while before the roads are patched.”

Also Tuesday, borough council voted to purchase a police cruiser. Previously, council had voted to lease a new cruiser, but instead chose to purchase the vehicle through Tri-Star Motors.

The borough will borrow up to $27,700 from S&T Bank at a 2.7 percent tax-free interest rate to pay for the vehicle.

Former council member and council president Richard Morris’ empty seat on the council was filled Tuesday by Homer City resident Michael P. Arone, following an application via letter.

Arone has been a Homer City resident for 39 years, he said in his letter.

“My wife and I and our three children love living in a small town and being involved in a community,” Arone said in the letter. “My goal is to help the existing council of the borough lead Homer City through continued economic development, fiscal responsibility, and a better quality of life for its residents.”

Borough solicitor Michael Supinka reviewed previously written ordinances and created new ordinances at manager Nymick’s request, and brought them to Tuesday’s meeting to review with council.

The ordinances primarily regard overhanging trees, excessive noise, harboring an animal nuisance, maintenance of properties and the listing of tenants in a building, according to Supinka.

The council will review the drafts and approve or request changes to the drafts at April’s council meeting.

Dan Bekina, president of the Homer City Fire Department, reported at the meeting that the fourth annual Fire Fest will be held the week of May 20. The carnival will be open to the public from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Tentatively planned for the week are karaoke, a bike ride and bike night, a car cruise and entertainment by a Johnny Cash tribute band.

Council approved the closure of Church Street from Rose Alley to Kunkle Avenue starting May 18 for setup of the carnival, with street closure continuing throughout the week for the event.

Bekina also announced that the fire department is considering bringing a bear weigh station to the fire hall during bear season, after a suggestion by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The station would be open Nov. 22 through 26.

All bear hunted during the season must be weighed at a station within 24 hours.

The 17th annual Hoodlebug Summerfest, sponsored by the Homer City Area Business Association, will be held July 13. The festival will include a 5K run and walk, parade, duck race, a kids’ zone, live entertainment and other activities.

Event sponsors are asking community members to help with set up and tear down, as well as work in different booths. To sign up, call Penny Perman at (724) 479-9759.

Ellen Matis is the digital media coordinator and a staff writer at The Indiana Gazette. She is the person behind the Gazette's social media. A 2012 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Ellen has a degree in journalism and public relations.
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Indiana Borough police charged Dinar Galembush, 22, of Irwin, with driving under the influence and three summary traffic infractions in connection with a traffic accident at 12:18 a.m. Nov. 18 on the 700 block of Wayne Avenue.

Police filed the charges Feb. 26 in a criminal complaint at Indiana District Court. A hearing date has not been set.